Practice Art Farmer improv method religiously.
Finish writing Jazz Noir material for 2016 recording.
Create and learn fresh DMG sets: 11 tunes, 2 original.
Pay health insurance first every month, no matter what. 
Walk or swim daily. Lose 5 pounds monthly, 60 by year-end.
Increase number of workshops nationally from 54 to 100.
Increase touring income by 20% while playing 20 fewer shows. 
Bump per gig average by 5% and increase total net income by 27%.
Eschew cynicism, laugh often and see the best in people.
When the time is right, get a dog!

Dmitri Matheny, age 17
1983 NAU Music Camp

Stumbling across this ridiculous photo today (31 years later), I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for GRANT WOLF, who somehow was able to see past the silly clothes and cocky attitude, and steer this kid onto the right path to a beautiful life in music. Wolf was an inspiring teacher and was one of the first adults to take my jazz aspirations seriously. His encouragement was profoundly important to me at a critical time in my development.
I wish he were here so I could thank him.

Sassy's Spicy HOPPIN' JOHN is almost ready!

Here at the Maricopa Cabana, Hoppin' John is one of the ways we celebrate the beginning of a New Year. Traditionally served with cornbread and greens (collard greens, mustard greens, chard, kale or cabbage), the main ingredients in this delicious winter dish are black-eyed peas, rice, chopped onion, country bacon (ham hock or fatback), green peppers and spices. Sassy always adds a little Arizona Gunslinger for an extra kick. Enjoy Hoppin' John on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity throughout the year.

Be sure to eat your fill: the peas represent coins, the greens are cash, and the cornbread, gold!

The Frugal Flugel recommends the portable Travel Kitchen!
Find values online and make your own for less than $85:

1. RDT Travel Bag ($29.95 on Amazon.com)
2. Mini Hot Plate ($19.99 on Casa.com)
3. Portable 1.5 Cup Rice Maker & Warmer ($12.39 from Target)
4. Insulated French Press Coffee & Tea Mug ($.99 on Ebay)
5. Mess Kit ($4.99 on Rothco.com)
6. Flat Pocket Cutlery ($1.49 on Ebay)
7. Electric Kettle ($14.66 from Walmart)
Prepare thrifty meals and healthy snacks on the road.

Practice what matters. Make each concert better than the last.
10,000 hours, 1,000 true fans, 100 shows.
Be a citizen of the world. Make friends everywhere.
Strive for authenticity, sincerity, sustainability.
Hustle relentlessly. Be a hard workin' dog. Maintain momentum.
Stick to your guns: don't get a smart phone.
Increase touring income by 50%.
Advance every detail of every show. Twice.
Release the new album, no matter what. Do what it takes.
Stay hydrated, eat right and walk every day.
Forget the other guy. Focus on margins, not market share.
Learn, earn and return. Give back.
Don't neglect the minutia: clean horn, clean house, car in good repair.
See the best in people, but be careful.
Somehow get health insurance.

November 25th! Exactly one month from today,
you'll get your 48th chance to finally throw me
that Ultraman themed birthday party.